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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,November 19,2007 • <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#07-3331 Ronald and Suzanne Vanacora, Continued) <br /> The Planning Commission should consider whether reasonable use can be made of the property <br /> without a variance. While the lot has an unusual shape,it has a slightly larger 75-250 foot zone than a <br /> rectangular half-acre lot. The portion of the driveway that is on the outlot is not included in hardcover <br /> for the lot. <br /> Staff would recommend denial of the application based on the following findings: <br /> l. While the lot is of unusual shape,it is conforming for width and area. <br /> 2. Because of the unusual situation that a portion of the driveway within the 75-250 foot zone is <br /> within an outlot,the property is actually allowed more hardcover than it would be if the <br /> driveway was entirely within the lot. <br /> 3. The applicants have failed to demonstrate that it would not be possible to make reasonable use <br /> of the property without the variance. <br /> Vanacora stated they have discovered in purchasing a lot on the lake that there are hardcover issues <br /> that need to be addressed and that it is their intention to make this property their permanent residence <br /> upon retiring. Vanacora stated they have attempted to design a one-level living area which would <br /> accommodate both themselves as well as their elderly parents. The existing house at 31 percent has <br /> more hardcover than what they are proposing. The age of the house makes it more expensive to <br /> remodel than to level the house. Vanacora noted the house would be smaller than the other homes in <br /> the neighborhood and would basically be a small two-level walkout. <br /> Vanacora noted there would be very little vegetation removed in conjunction with this project and that <br /> the new house would be located further back from the lake. The third stall on the garage is to <br /> accommodate visitors' cars and for storage of equipment. By relocating the house further back,it <br /> would help to improve the view of the neighbor. <br /> Vanacora noted there is no hardcover whatsoever in the 250-500 foot zone and that they are only <br /> requesting a variance for the 75-250 foot zone. Vanacora indicated they do not want to construct their <br /> garage in the 250-500 foot zone because it would not be convenient to access and would also result in <br /> the removal of a number of trees. <br /> Mrs.Vanacora commented their lot is wooded and that the home is not visible from the street during <br /> the summer. Vanacora indicated they would prefer not to construct the garage in the 250-500 foot <br /> zone because it would also ruin the appearance of the lot from the street. <br /> Mr.Vanacora displayed the proposed layout of the house and the exterior of the house on the <br /> overhead. <br /> Mrs.Vanacora noted they have eliminated the screen porch and the breakfast area. <br /> Mr.Vanacora displayed a picture of the existing house. <br /> . PAGE 11 <br />